Kapiolani Asia & Pacific Emphasis (KAPE)

KAPE is focused on the creating an awareness of Asian and Pacific issues in our efforts to internationalize the curriculum at Kapiolani Community College (KCC). We have developed certificate programs in Asian Studies and Pacific Island studies, increased our language and cultural studies, and enhanced the collections in the library. We have created numerous institutional linkages with Asian and Pacific colleges and universities.

We have additionally created effective working relationships with many local organizations such as the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, Center for Asia Pacific Education (CAPE), East West Center, Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS-UHM), Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education (HAAE), Hawaii Community Foundation, and the J. Watumull Fund.

The Mission

The members of the KAPE committee recognize the importance of their responsibility to provide the leadership necessary in guiding our faculty, staff, students, and members of the community towards a better understanding of our Pacific and Asian neighbors. KAPE therefore works closely with many of the departments on campus to strengthen and increase both intra campus cooperation and to foster international institutional linkages through its many important and significant activities, such as the Annual International Festival.

The International Festival

The Asian Pacific International Festival is now in its 14th year proving that KAPE is an integral part of our expanding Integrated International Educational and Globalization efforts here at KCC. With the International Festival we have expanded student, faculty and staff involvement in Asia Pacific studies. During the festival we host many fine events such as guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops, seminars, art exhibits, cultural presentations, films, and performing arts on our campus. The highly respected success of the Festival is evidence that there is an educational need that is being served, and that our program is reaching a broad spectrum of faculty, students, staff, and individuals from the community.

Activities

KAPE has a mandate to enhance our Asian Pacific focus and has offered several summer institutes to increase instructional abilities and stimulate faculty interest. KAPE has also played an important role in the publication of important academic volumes such as the Beacon Project's four volume series on internationalizing the curriculum and multicultural education, the well received booklet "Awakening the Dragon" on Vietnam, and the student publication known as Horizons which features student papers on Asian and Pacific Island topics drawn from their coursework. We hope that you will find many opportunities to participate in our upcoming Integrated International Education and Globalization events on campus. Please make KAPE events an important part of your educational experience here at KCC.